On Day 3 of the first Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe, Wiaan Mulder scored a sensational century to put his team in a strong position. His innings came at an important time, with South Africa looking to build a big lead after losing both openers early. With the lead now close to 450, South Africa are clearly in control of the match.
Wiaan Mulder impresses with composed knock in first Test
Mulder started Day 2 with the responsibility of carrying the innings. After opener Matthew Breetzke got out cheaply, he formed key partnerships with the middle order to keep the runs coming. He stayed calm under pressure and played smart cricket, mixing solid defence with good attacking shots. What made his knock even more impressive was that it came on a surface starting to show significant turn and bounce — conditions that made scoring much more difficult.
Despite the challenge, Mulder rotated the strike well and punished loose balls, keeping the scoreboard moving. His impressive knock finally came to an end in the second session, as he was dismissed for 147 off 206 balls. By then, he had already done the job — giving South Africa a huge advantage and putting them firmly on top in the opening Test.
South Africa tightens the grip on Day 3 with a massive lead
Despite numerous fresh faces, South Africa have shown great performance in every department in the opening game. After winning the toss, the Proteas chose to bat first, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch scoring brilliant centuries in the first innings. With the ball, South Africa put in a solid effort, with Mulder shining with four wickets, alongside Codi Yusuf and skipper Keshav Maharaj.
Meanwhile, the hosts Zimbabwe have also shown great resilience against the World Test Champions. Veteran all-rounder Sean Williams scored a gritty century in their first innings. In the bowling department, Tanaka Chivanga was the bright spot, keeping the South African batting in check. Zimbabwe have shown promising signs of growth and competitiveness in challenging conditions.
Also WATCH: Vincent Masekesa bamboozles Lhuan-dre Pretorius with an absolute ripper
Here’s how fans reacted:
Magnificent outing for Wiaan Mulder, scoring 147 after taking 4/50.
One thing to keep an eye on is Mulder bowling in the 2nd innings. If he takes 6 wickets, he will become the 4th player in history to score a century & take a 10-wicket haul in the same Test. 👀#ZIMvSA
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) June 30, 2025
💥 Wiaan Mulder goes BIG! 💥
Scored a sensational 147 runs vs Zimbabwe! 🇿🇦🔥Elegant strokes, powerful hitting, and pure class on display!
A statement knock from the Proteas all-rounder! 💪🏏#WiaanMulder #ZIMvSA #Cricket #147NotOut #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/Eq5AOpv1yY— Vishal Maurya (@VishalMaurya08) June 30, 2025
What a test match for Wiaan Mulder !! 🔥
142* with the bat
4/50 with the ball #SAvZIM #SAvsZIM #ZIMvSA #ZIMvsSA pic.twitter.com/a1hFeI5Ili— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) June 30, 2025
Wiaan Mulder showing his class with a masterful ton! 🔥💯
A perfect blend of grit and grace, exactly what the Proteas needed! 🇿🇦👏#WozaNawe #ProteaFire— Haris Mahmood (@HarisMa73708878) June 30, 2025
Wiaan Mulder is turning into a handy player
— Compass Cricket (@CricketCompass) June 30, 2025
Fantastic Knock. Career Best Highest individual Test score for Wiaan Mulder 109*.@ProteasMenCSA #ZIMvSA @wiaan_m @LionsCricketSA
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) June 30, 2025
A marvelous century by Wiaan Mulder
His first century at no. 3, and his second in less than a year
He has shown that if he gets in, he can make it big. Today’s innings has been classy
This follows his 4/50 with the ballGet more News link: https://t.co/dP0knsYlIF#WiaanMulder pic.twitter.com/ME5blCcTr1
— Mary C. Gorden (@c_gorden50306) June 30, 2025
2️⃣nd Test hundred for Wiaan Mulder 💯#CricketTwitter #ZIMvSA #WiaanMulder pic.twitter.com/N1nwiUVGWZ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 30, 2025
Hundred vs BAN in BAN.
– Hundred vs ZIM in ZIM.WIAAN MULDER ENJOYING THE NEW ROLE IN TEST CRICKET 🙇 pic.twitter.com/pqtypJd3BU
— DIVYANSH CHAUHAN (@Imchauhan28) June 30, 2025
Wiaan Mulder Exellent Century Against Zimbabwe.
– His 2nd Century Of His Career 👌.#savszim pic.twitter.com/ZajQtpqG9k
— Shariq Ahmad (@CricGayata5915) June 30, 2025
Class. Composure. Control. 💯🔥
A superb century from Wiaan Mulder, anchoring the innings with elegance and intent. 🇿🇦🏏#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/6KpyaX9Asl
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 30, 2025
What an innings from Wiaan Mulder – his 2nd Test CENTURY!!!
Despite the small collapse, SA in charge at lunch on Day 3 leading by 352#ZIMvSA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 30, 2025
Also READ: Sean Williams wages lone battle as Proteas tighten grip on Day 2
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